One of the things I care about most is helping to change the tortured artist paradigm into the empowered artist reality. So much of this has to do with self-awareness in the way we think, and that must be prominent in our relationship with food. I like meat. I like cheese. I really really like wine. When I lead my Haven Writing Retreats in Montana, the ranch which hosts us requires that we eat vegan. (#ellendegeneres) In general, I’m a healthy eater. I like to be able to recognize whatever is in the ingredients of the food I buy and prepare. Whole foods are my go to. But before every retreat there’s a part of me that worries about going vegan for five days. Writing can be hard work, and the idea of at least some toast with butter to comfort the muse is a thought pattern that I rely on probably more than I should, when there are good old fashioned vegetables in my refrigerator.

At first, whether it’s psychological or physical, I feel a little like s**t. Not gonna lie. I seem to not know how to fully function without at least chicken, or salmon, or mayo. My body doesn’t look at kale and salivate like it does for the steak I vow I’m going to eat the second I get home. And then, every time, I find myself being grateful for every leafy green, every berry, every nut. And I start to love the non-creature-given vegan diet. Crave it, even. And, well (you don’t want to know), my whole system starts to bow at the altar of it.

As with cultivating every new habit, writing included, I believe it’s best to go slowly, carefully, naturally, kindly, and with ease. A simple dressing is a good place to start.

“Soup is cuisine’s kindest course.”- Virginia Woolf

We have just a few more spaces left on our 2016 Haven Writing Retreat calendar!

October 5-9 (full)

October 19-23 (a few spaces left!!!)

To schedule a phone call to learn more about the retreat, go to the Contact Us button here.

The days of summer are quickly coming to a close but the windows of winter fruits and vegetables are opening, especially with this gorgeous fruit. Yes, butternut squash is a FRUIT!

With a sweet and nutty taste similar to pumpkin, butternut squash is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. Just what a writer needs to keep the heart and mind healthy and writing, writing, writing.